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When Willian joined Chelsea this summer, he noted that he hoped the move to one of the top clubs in the world would increase his chances of representing Brazil. After several months with the Blues, it looks as if that move has paid off to some degree.
Brazil has a pair of friendlies against Honduras and Chile over the next international break, and Willian will be joining three other Chelsea players in the squad for those matches. Here is the full Brazil squad:
BREAKING - Keepers: Julio César and Victor. CB: Thiago Silva, Dante, Luiz, Marquinhos. Laterals: Dani Alves, Maicon, Marcelo, Maxwell.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) October 31, 2013
BREAKING - Midfielders: Paulinho, Lucas Leiva, Luiz Gustavo, Ramires, Hernanes, Oscar.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) October 31, 2013
BREAKING - Forwards: Willian, Robinho, Bernard, Hulk, Neymar, Jô.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) October 31, 2013
It's unclear if Willian would have made the cut had Diego Costa accepted his callup, but the temperamental forward has instead opted to represent Spain. That's not so good for the suddenly rejuvinated Fernando Torres, but may have opened a roster spot for Willian to take advantage of.
As always, here's hoping that Chelsea's player manage to avoid injury during these meaningless games. It's great that Willian is finally getting recognized at home, but I still can't stand seeing the club season interrupted so that FIFA can make a few extra bucks.